Abstract: A protective, low cost removable cover protects from dust, dirt, bacteria and the like a beverage container. This beverage container has a top wall formed with an outer surface, an opening member constituted by a partially stamped portion of the top wall, and an upwardly extending peripheral lip defining a top annular edge surface. The protective removable cover comprises a piece of sheet material covering at least a major portion of the partially stamped portion of the top wall, and is contoured to fit on the outer top wall surface inside the top annular edge surface. An annular strip of glue removably adheres the piece of sheet material to the outer top wall surface inside the top annular edge surface. The sheet material preferably comprises plastic, metal or composite material. Finally, the piece of sheet material may comprise a peripheral tab of any shape to facilitate manual removal thereof from the outer top wall surface.